I don’t believe this thread has started yet, but if it has somebody please merge.
2 Likes
I am so excited for this! Maybe we have a meet up there and just order 72 orders of the suan la chow show?!
4 Likes
Count me in!
Hmm…so is this open already, or not? The date has passed, but there website leads to no where.
1 Like
Based on Google reviews I think it is open. Seems to have been a soft-open six days ago (flood of 5* reviews) and they got their first ding last night due to high pricing so I guess it’s open for real business now 
BTW does anyone know when All’antico Vinaio (sandwich shop from Florence) will open its doors in Boston? There was some buzz about it back in April and then…nothing.
While the website leads nowhere, you can reserve on Resy and in fact they are already fully booked for Saturday. Sloppy to have a non-functional website IMO.
1 Like
Sadly, that’s now standard operating procedure at a lot of places, relying as they do more on social media.
1 Like
Weird that their web site nor their Instagram wouldn’t at least point you to Resy. Found an early review on Yelp - and normally I take reviews on Yelp with a huge bag of salt - but the reviewer left some legitimate feedback, and ultimately left it a good rating. The owner’s response starts off apologetic, and then dives into some passive aggressive defensiveness. Instead of addressing the real things he could have controlled (his new bartender’s response and interactions), he’s kind of spending time putting down the reviewer’s feedback. Ugh…I hope it’s just opening stress and anxiety, because it reads a bit douchey.
4 Likes
I thought it was pretty reasonable. 
In case anyone else wants to peek: https://www.yelp.com/biz/darling-cambridge?hrid=fakBMO0HGsqVCtYXiJXZXQ
1 Like
I think that owner’s response was VERY reasonable and measured! No PA defensiveness that I saw.
To each its own, but calling the reviewer’s remarks - regardless that they were based on her own narrative - silly is pretty rude. What it doesn’t address then is that there was a clear disconnect between the server and the intention of that bottle. The bartender surely didn’t say anything to clarify why she got the drink later. And if she didn’t know there was a rule not allowing two drinks, hey why not let folks know on the menu? You can nitpick that maybe she didn’t flag the bartender more assertively, but if someone hasn’t touched their drink in a while, you would also hope a bartender would ask how’s it going and how’s the drink. I don’t even drink, and I’ve seen bartenders show me that courtesy.
A lot of would haves/should haves, but this owner made it a choice only to address what the diner should do differently next time, but none of what they might tweak or adjust. I’m not a “customer is always right person”, but this is a case where the response has the full vibe of “here’s what you should adjust to have a better experience with us next time”.
3 Likes
Allagash Brewing opened a new tasting room in Scarborough ME (just south of Portland) over the weekend. Closer and more convenient for visitors driving up from southern New England!
3 Likes
Temporary closure, but… 
1 Like
Ewwwwwww…
1 Like
[Boston, Allston]
Diamond Tart, a new establishment focusing on croissant egg tarts, caneles, and teas, has apparently opened in Allston.
3 Likes
The unprepossessingly named Lou’s has opened in Harvard Square:
The exciting news hidden here is that
Jason Bond is Back
(Even more exciting than a return of Jason Bourne.)
5 Likes
We went to Darling last night and will definitely be back! We sat at the bar, which is beautifully lit and arranged. The space is elegant and cozy, plus one really great circular banquette at the end of the room that would be perfect for 6ish people.
We each had two cocktails - I won’t bother listing the names since the cocktail menu apparently changes daily - but all four were excellent. Smooth and creative but not kitschy or weird-for-the-sake-of-being-weird. I had one with clarified tomato that was outstanding.
On the food side, the charred chinese broccoli and cucumber were very good. The bao buns (enoki and fish) were not quite as good, based largely on the quality of the buns which didn’t appear to be made in-house. The fish was perfectly fried, though, and the ‘slaw’ on the enoki was very interesting.
We’re already talking about heading back with friends - the drinks are worth a stop even if you’re not in for dim sum.
5 Likes
Sounds awesome—thanks for the report. Sounds like they did right by Mary Chung.
1 Like
I would avoid the dumplings at Darling (wrapper was too soft/ overcooked/ falling apart) and the shrimp toast (not crispy and hardly any shrimp). The ribs were ok. Enjoyed the Sweep the Leg drink. I think i’ll stick with China Pearl in Boston or (New) Winsor in Quincy for the time being.
4 Likes
I tried the porterhouse at Lou’s. Very good au poivre flavor but unevenly cooked, parts were well done although I requested medium rare. Fries and drinks (I tried the cucumber one and the EVOO fat washed gin drink) were good.
1 Like
